Diary of a Cat Mom

By Dagmar Gatell — Creator & Host of Diary of a Cat Mom

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created for cat lovers who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 80 - Why Does My Cat Pin His Ears Back? 🐱❤️

    Have you ever been petting your cat and everything seems perfectly fine... until suddenly his ears go back? In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, I share what I discovered after noticing one of my senior cats pinning his ears back during cuddle sessions. At first, I worried something was wrong. But after researching cat body language, I learned that pinned-back ears can be an important sign that a cat is feeling overstimulated. Join me as we explore what your cat may be trying to tell you when those ears suddenly change position and how recognizing the signal can strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode 🐾 What pinned-back ears can mean in cats 🐾 How to recognize petting overstimulation 🐾 The difference between fear, pain, and overstimulation signals 🐾 Why ear position should never be interpreted by itself 🐾 How respecting your cat's boundaries builds trust Timestamp & Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:32 My little weaky and his pinned-back ears 01:22 When petting starts to change 02:08 Could I be overstimulating him? 02:49 What pinned-back ears actually mean 03:35 Signs your cat has had enough 04:13 When ear pinning may signal illness or pain 04:42 Learning to respect my cat's boundaries This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    5 min
  2. 1d ago

    Ep. 79 - Why Is My Cat Touching My Face With His Paw? 🐱❤️

    Have you ever felt your cat gently touch your cheek with his paw? Not a scratch. Not a swat. Just a soft little tap that feels incredibly intentional. In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, I share the heartwarming story of one of my cats who gently pets my face whenever I'm standing near his cat tree. Curious about what this behavior meant, I researched it and discovered it may be one of the sweetest signs of affection cats can show. We explore scent marking, trust, bonding, kittenhood memories, and why your cat may be telling you, "You're my person." If your cat has ever touched your face, forehead-butted you, or gently reached out just to be close, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode 🐾 Why cats gently touch human faces with their paws 🐾 The surprising role scent glands play in feline bonding 🐾 How kittenhood influences affectionate adult cat behavior 🐾 What your cat may be communicating through gentle paw touches 🐾 Why this behavior is often a sign of trust and emotional connection Timestamps & YouTube Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:18 The gentle paw on my cheek 01:12 Why I became curious 01:49 What the research revealed 02:25 "You're my person" 03:03 The connection to kittenhood 03:37 Why cats choose our faces 04:02 A beautiful reminder of trust and love This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    5 min
  3. 2d ago

    Ep. 78 - Why Is My Cat Bumping Her Head On Me? 🐱❤️

    Have you ever had your cat gently bump their forehead against yours? Many cat parents wonder whether this sweet behavior is simply a request for attention or something much deeper. In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, I share the story of Baby, one of my most affectionate cats, and the surprising meaning behind feline head bunting. What I discovered completely melted my cat mom heart. This simple gesture may be one of the strongest signs of trust, love, and belonging that your cat can give you. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode What head bunting actually means Why cats share scent with the people they trust The difference between leg rubbing and forehead bumping How cats create family bonds through scent When forehead pressing may signal a medical concernChapters & Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Why Cats Bump Their Foreheads Against You 01:08 Baby's Sweet Head-Bumping Habit 02:01 What Head Bunting Really Means 03:01 One of the Highest Forms of Feline Affection 03:42 When Head Pressing Could Be a Concern 04:03 You Are My Person 04:32 Closing This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    5 min
  4. 4d ago

    Ep. 77 - Why Is My Cat Rubbing On My Legs? 🐱❤️

    Have you ever nearly tripped over your cat because they were rubbing so hard against your legs? Many cat moms wonder what this behavior really means. Is it love? Is it a request for food? Or is your cat trying to claim you as their human? In this episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, I share the story of Toby, the most enthusiastic leg-rubber in my multi-cat household, and what I discovered when I researched this fascinating feline behavior. The answer warmed my cat mom heart more than I expected. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode  Why cats rub against your legs  What "bunting" means in cat behavior  How cats use scent to build family bonds  The difference between affection and attention-seeking  Why timing matters when cats rub on you  When excessive rubbing may require a vet visit  What this behavior reveals about trust and safety Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Why Your Cat Rubs Against Your Legs 00:25 Meet Toby, the Champion Leg-Rubber 01:08 What Cats Are Really Doing When They Rub 01:55 The Meaning of Shared Family Scent 02:50 Affection, Greeting, or Breakfast Request? 03:30 When Leg Rubbing Can Signal a Problem 04:00 The Sweetest Message a Cat Can Give This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    4 min
  5. 5d ago

    Ep. 76 - The Feline Friendship I Never Saw Coming 🐾❤️

    In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast entry, I share how I realized two of my shyest cats had quietly become feline friends. At first, I wasn't sure whether their behavior was playful, fearful, or something else entirely. By paying attention to their body language, grooming habits, and choice to spend time together, I discovered signs of trust and affection that made my cat mom heart very happy. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode  How cats show affection toward each other  Signs that cats have formed a bond  The difference between friendship and tension in a multi-cat household  Why grooming is one of the strongest trust signals between cats  How observing body language can help you better understand your cats Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 – Do My Cats Love Each Other?  01:00 – Watching a New Relationship Form  02:05 – Looking Beyond My Assumptions  03:05 – The Signs of Feline Friendship  04:15 – When the Two Runts Became Buddies  05:05 – Why This Made My Cat Mom Heart Happy This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    6 min
  6. 5d ago

    Ep. 75 - What If You Only Had 10 Minutes to Save Your Cats? 💔🐾

    What would happen if you had to leave your home with your cat in just a few minutes? In this Diary of a Cat Mom entry, I share why I've been thinking about emergency preparedness for my cats and what I've learned about creating a simple emergency kit that could help keep them safe during hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, power outages, or other unexpected situations. The goal isn't to live in fear. It's to create peace of mind and reduce panic if an emergency ever happens. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode  Why every cat parent should have an emergency plan  The essential items to include in a cat emergency kit  Why carriers can become a source of stress during evacuations  How microchips, photos, and records can help reunite lost pets  Why identifying pet-friendly shelters and hotels ahead of time matters  How preparation can reduce anxiety for both cats and humans Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Introduction  00:25 Why I Started Thinking About Emergency Preparedness  01:05 What Belongs in a Cat Emergency Kit  02:00 Why Preparation Reduces Stress  02:40 The Importance of Carrier Training  03:10 Planning Pet-Friendly Evacuation Options  03:45 Peace of Mind for Cat Parents  04:15 Closing Thoughts This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    4 min
  7. 6d ago

    Ep. 74 - Why Is My Cat Putting Her Tail Up? 🐱🐈‍⬛

    Have you ever noticed your cat walking toward you with her tail held high in the air? Many cat moms see this every day but don't realize it's one of the clearest signs of trust, confidence, and affection in cat body language. In today's Diary of a Cat Mom podcast entry, I share what I learned by watching my youngest cat, Hope, and how understanding one simple tail position helped me better understand the cats I love. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode Why cats raise their tails when greeting people and other catsWhat a tail with a curved tip can meanHow cats exchange information through scentWhy body language should always be viewed as a complete pictureThe difference between a happy raised tail and a stressed raised tailTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Why I Started Watching My Cats' Body Language 00:55 – The Fascinating Cat Greeting Ritual 01:35 – Hope's Tail Tells a Story 02:20 – What a Raised Tail Really Means 03:00 – The Meaning of the Curved "Question Mark" Tail 03:35 – When a Raised Tail Is Not a Positive Sign 04:00 – Looking at the Whole Cat, Not Just the Tail 04:20 – The Sweet Message Behind a Raised Tail This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    5 min
  8. 6d ago

    Ep. 73 Is Your Cat in Your Last Will? 🐾❤️

    What would happen to your cat if something happened to you? It's not a topic most cat parents enjoy thinking about, but it may be one of the most loving things we can do for the cats who depend on us. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast entry, I share what I learned while researching pet trusts, caregivers, and simple ways to prepare for your cat's future. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode Why every cat parent should think about future care planningThe difference between naming a caregiver and creating a pet trustWhy you generally cannot leave money directly to a petWhat information to include in a pet care documentHow planning ahead can be an act of love, not fearTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 – Is Your Cat in Your Last Will? 00:38 – The Question That Changed My Perspective 01:37 – Why My Cats Are Family, Not Property 02:16 – What I Learned About Planning for My Cats 03:12 – Why You Can't Leave Money Directly to a Cat 03:35 – Understanding Pet Trusts 04:32 – Other Future Care Options 05:02 – Creating a Pet Care Document 05:48 – Planning Ahead Is an Act of Love 06:31 – Important Legal Disclaimer 07:09 – Love Means Preparing for Tomorrow 07:44 – Final Thoughts for Cat Parents This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a quiet, personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments, emotions, and experiences from life with cats. This space is meant for connection, comfort, and companionship. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Most of all, please remember:  You’re not alone on this journey. We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

    7 min

About

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created for cat lovers who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.